Breastfeeding blues and other experiences

When you become a mom for the first time, there are many new grounds to navigate. How in the world are you ever going to sleep again? How about messing up your favourite blouse with vomit?

Among the many huge, often confusing transitions, a big one is figuring out how to breastfeed. It’s not all about latching on and milk production, either. It’s about feeding your baby well and being up to the task too whenever they cry for milk.

Mrs. Jessica Monye: I am open about pumping breast milk wherever I go

“I have breastfed and pumped with two children while practicing law. I always try to normalize breastfeeding. So I try to be open about the fact that I am pumping wherever I go.

One day, there was a huge birthday party at the office. Almost everyone was there. One of my colleagues said in front of everyone while I went to the fridge, ‘Wow Jessica, I am really impressed you packed your lunch today and I said, ‘Actually, it’s breast milk!’ The whole firm had a good laugh, while he was embarrassed. I think he did not expect the answer.”

Mrs. Nkechi Onochie: I was asked if I made white or chocolate milk

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“I will never forget the first time I nursed my son in front of my best friend’s daughter. She was so fascinated that she stared at me for minutes. Then she walks over to me and says, ‘I have a question.’ While pointing at my chest, she asked, ‘Does one make white milk and the other chocolate?’ My friend and I burst out laughing and still joke about it six years later.”

Mrs. Shakirat Fatai: I thought the baby was always wet, but it was me

“My husband and I used to joke about how bad newborn diapers were. Our daughter was constantly having accidents that spilled out all over her, especially during breastfeeding. It wasn’t until she was 2 weeks old that we realized she wasn’t having accidents — I was!

Every time I breastfed her, milk would let down from both sides simultaneously. My poor baby always needed a change of clothes because I got breast milk all over her belly from the other breast while I fed her.

We got some bra pads to tuck into key places to prevent further wardrobe malfunctions. My daughter finally had breakfast without a simultaneous milk shower afterwards.”

Mrs. Sophia Peters: I pumped through my clothes

“After six months of breastfeeding, I took a trip to another state for a wedding. It was my first time to ‘pump and dump,’ and before we got together, I grabbed a manual pump at and went back to the car to try it out. I hadn’t realized that when you pump on one side, the other side leaks too. Well, it went through everything I was wearing and I had to buy another gown to get through the day. Lesson learned!”